Africa's cement market, valued at approximately $20 billion annually, is growing at 5-7 percent per year driven by urbanisation, housing demand, and government infrastructure investment programmes. Dangote Cement, the continent's largest producer with 50 million tonnes of annual capacity across Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, and 10 other countries, is the dominant player. LafargeHolcim (now Holcim), through its subsidiary Lafarge Africa, operates in Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, and across Central Africa. National producers including ARM Cement (Kenya), PPC (South Africa), and Bamburi (Kenya) serve regional markets.
Supply Gaps
Despite the large established producers, cement supply remains insufficient in landlocked Sub-Saharan Africa and island markets. Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, and parts of DRC import most of their cement at high cost. A shortage of locally-manufactured cement in conflict-affected reconstruction zones drives prices to $25-35 per bag versus $7-10 per bag at factory gate. The mineral lime and clinker trade creates additional regional trade flows. Construction companies, distributors, and cement investors can access supply and distribution contacts on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.